Ken Roczen Riding a 2023 Yamaha YZ450F

Johnny Ringo
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11/1/2022 11:56am
I find it really hard to believe that those two WSX races were worth this amount of effort and money
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5
11/1/2022 12:01pm
I find it really hard to believe that those two WSX races were worth this amount of effort and money
I agree. Also the unanimous side-eying of his agent by everyone in the industry is impossible to ignore.
Just my opinion and guess, but it's been hinted at many times....his agent overplayed it all, and Kenny being Kenny probably went along with it assuming he had all the cards to play. They ran out.
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AMetts
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11/1/2022 12:15pm Edited Date/Time 11/1/2022 12:17pm
I find it really hard to believe that those two WSX races were worth this amount of effort and money
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and will likely be paid from the series vs a team as well to keep the big name in the series.

He also was on his way out of the door at Honda, between Chase, Jett and Hunter there just is not room for him there he will never be their priority again after Chase's season last year and the Lawrence race result/marketing machine they are. Im sure among other things he just saw the writing on the wall.

Hes a guy that can win races he will get paid one way or another, his Redbull deal is obviously big bucks too considering it wasnt even a consideration to leave them to get on a conflicting sponsored team.
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tek14
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Vantaa, FI
11/1/2022 12:17pm
I find it really hard to believe that those two WSX races were worth this amount of effort and money
To me just sounded like Kenny wanted ride something else than HRC Honda next years. Do he need more money.. I would say he is good with money he earned so far even he quits tomorrow.
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The Shop

11/1/2022 12:18pm
WHAT IF he turned up to A1 on a ‘WSX’ sponsored bike?
Of course, it wouldn’t be liveried up ‘WSX’, it’d be their Partners- ‘Amazon AWS, Penrite, Boost Mobile, Red Bull Kawasaki’

Imagine it, Put in a great showing in the US series and fans eyes will follow him all summer in the WSX too.
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Johnny Ringo
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11/1/2022 12:25pm
I find it really hard to believe that those two WSX races were worth this amount of effort and money
AMetts wrote:
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and...
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and will likely be paid from the series vs a team as well to keep the big name in the series.

He also was on his way out of the door at Honda, between Chase, Jett and Hunter there just is not room for him there he will never be their priority again after Chase's season last year and the Lawrence race result/marketing machine they are. Im sure among other things he just saw the writing on the wall.

Hes a guy that can win races he will get paid one way or another, his Redbull deal is obviously big bucks too considering it wasnt even a consideration to leave them to get on a conflicting sponsored team.
How much is he going to spend on his own effort? TwoTwo cost Chad a lot of money.
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Kelz87
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Fantasy
11/1/2022 12:26pm Edited Date/Time 11/1/2022 12:27pm


K-Roc Vodka, nom’sayeeen! Grinning
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fourfourone
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86oh, CT, USA
11/1/2022 12:36pm
I find it really hard to believe that those two WSX races were worth this amount of effort and money
AMetts wrote:
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and...
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and will likely be paid from the series vs a team as well to keep the big name in the series.

He also was on his way out of the door at Honda, between Chase, Jett and Hunter there just is not room for him there he will never be their priority again after Chase's season last year and the Lawrence race result/marketing machine they are. Im sure among other things he just saw the writing on the wall.

Hes a guy that can win races he will get paid one way or another, his Redbull deal is obviously big bucks too considering it wasnt even a consideration to leave them to get on a conflicting sponsored team.
He said on the JS podcast that he could break ties with red bull if needed... His roots aren't as deep with red bull as you think.

He would 100% drop red bull if needed to ride the bike he wants on a factory Team.

Keep in mind red bull has spent some serious money trying to get Kennys health right and after a few years of KR going Britney Spears on the internet, I'm sure red bull would be okay with the split.
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2
11/1/2022 12:36pm
AMetts wrote:
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and...
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and will likely be paid from the series vs a team as well to keep the big name in the series.

He also was on his way out of the door at Honda, between Chase, Jett and Hunter there just is not room for him there he will never be their priority again after Chase's season last year and the Lawrence race result/marketing machine they are. Im sure among other things he just saw the writing on the wall.

Hes a guy that can win races he will get paid one way or another, his Redbull deal is obviously big bucks too considering it wasnt even a consideration to leave them to get on a conflicting sponsored team.
Wow, a lot of information you have, all spoken as facts. A lot you are wrong about, also.
It's rumored Red Bull is not as stoked on him as they once were.
All publicly available information points to the whole "face of WSX" thing as conjecture at most.
On his way out the door at Honda? It's a fact he was offered a contract, and turned it down. That's "out the door" to you?

Opinions are one thing, but the amount of people on this site just spouting their opinions as fact is worse than ever.
11/1/2022 12:51pm
ML512 wrote:
You'll be in a coma, then.
McG194 wrote:
More likely we see Malcolm on yellow. (Just pretend I cared enough to photoshop Mookie's face on this dude.) [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/11/01/575288/s1200_Suzuki.jpg[/img]
More likely we see Malcolm on yellow. (Just pretend I cared enough to photoshop Mookie's face on this dude.)


I bet that boat motor is kick start.
Pull start actually
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11/1/2022 12:54pm
Kelz87 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/11/01/575315/s1200_F564AE32_A4CC_4D4E_B1F6_82F2B79F6693.jpg[/img] K-Roc Vodka, nom’sayeeen! :lol:


K-Roc Vodka, nom’sayeeen! Grinning
Delicious and tight as piss - gnomesayin
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11/1/2022 12:55pm
I find it really hard to believe that those two WSX races were worth this amount of effort and money
AMetts wrote:
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and...
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and will likely be paid from the series vs a team as well to keep the big name in the series.

He also was on his way out of the door at Honda, between Chase, Jett and Hunter there just is not room for him there he will never be their priority again after Chase's season last year and the Lawrence race result/marketing machine they are. Im sure among other things he just saw the writing on the wall.

Hes a guy that can win races he will get paid one way or another, his Redbull deal is obviously big bucks too considering it wasnt even a consideration to leave them to get on a conflicting sponsored team.
He said on the JS podcast that he could break ties with red bull if needed... His roots aren't as deep with red bull as you...
He said on the JS podcast that he could break ties with red bull if needed... His roots aren't as deep with red bull as you think.

He would 100% drop red bull if needed to ride the bike he wants on a factory Team.

Keep in mind red bull has spent some serious money trying to get Kennys health right and after a few years of KR going Britney Spears on the internet, I'm sure red bull would be okay with the split.
Britney Spears Laughing Laughing Laughing
Like what besides the sprocket gate and that one cringey post about not quitting?
fourfourone
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11/1/2022 12:59pm
AMetts wrote:
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and...
He was paid somewhere around $250k per race he did with WSX (supposedly), he also is now THE guy for the WSX series next year and will likely be paid from the series vs a team as well to keep the big name in the series.

He also was on his way out of the door at Honda, between Chase, Jett and Hunter there just is not room for him there he will never be their priority again after Chase's season last year and the Lawrence race result/marketing machine they are. Im sure among other things he just saw the writing on the wall.

Hes a guy that can win races he will get paid one way or another, his Redbull deal is obviously big bucks too considering it wasnt even a consideration to leave them to get on a conflicting sponsored team.
He said on the JS podcast that he could break ties with red bull if needed... His roots aren't as deep with red bull as you...
He said on the JS podcast that he could break ties with red bull if needed... His roots aren't as deep with red bull as you think.

He would 100% drop red bull if needed to ride the bike he wants on a factory Team.

Keep in mind red bull has spent some serious money trying to get Kennys health right and after a few years of KR going Britney Spears on the internet, I'm sure red bull would be okay with the split.
Britney Spears Laughing Laughing Laughing
Like what besides the sprocket gate and that one cringey post about not quitting?
Post like that, plus the countless times of him complaining about the bike, blaming his results on other things other than himself, etc.
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11/1/2022 1:00pm
Britney Spears Laughing Laughing Laughing
Like what besides the sprocket gate and that one cringey post about not quitting?
Post about not quitting? It was definitely much more than "I'm not quitting"
Also, he didn't back it up. His season went just like they have the last few years.
The sprocket post was a bigger deal than you're making it man, the industry is tiny and stuff like that, deleted or not, is not forgotten.
There are many many other interviews and sound bites from him along the same lines. "I don't even have to be out there" and stuff like that.
If you had a million dollars to throw at a rider as a base salary, is that the guy you'd throw it at? I doubt it...
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fourfourone
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11/1/2022 1:10pm
Britney Spears Laughing Laughing Laughing
Like what besides the sprocket gate and that one cringey post about not quitting?
Post about not quitting? It was definitely much more than "I'm not quitting" Also, he didn't back it up. His season went just like they have...
Post about not quitting? It was definitely much more than "I'm not quitting"
Also, he didn't back it up. His season went just like they have the last few years.
The sprocket post was a bigger deal than you're making it man, the industry is tiny and stuff like that, deleted or not, is not forgotten.
There are many many other interviews and sound bites from him along the same lines. "I don't even have to be out there" and stuff like that.
If you had a million dollars to throw at a rider as a base salary, is that the guy you'd throw it at? I doubt it...
He also was pretty cocky on the JS pod, when he said he was a free agent and is open to offers. He made it sound like Factory offers should start flying in.


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11/1/2022 1:14pm
He also was pretty cocky on the JS pod, when he said he was a free agent and is open to offers. He made it sound...
He also was pretty cocky on the JS pod, when he said he was a free agent and is open to offers. He made it sound like Factory offers should start flying in.


Exactly. To be clear, even though I'm not a fan, I hope he is successful in 2023. I'd love to see him reinvent himself and get back to where he was.
I just think he's painted himself into an awkward corner as far as the factories and big name sponsors go.
ThePizzaCobra
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11/1/2022 2:08pm
I want some Roczen bike reviews…
McG194 wrote:
Why? What Kenny needs in a bike does not relate to what a regular human needs. His opinion on how a bike performs could possibly help...
Why?

What Kenny needs in a bike does not relate to what a regular human needs. His opinion on how a bike performs could possibly help 5-10 humans in the world at the most.
Roczen's opinion does not influence my bike choice at all. I don't race supercross. Hell, I don't even race moto... I'm a woods guy. But I'd enjoy hearing what Kenny has to say about each bike he's ridden, because I like dirt bikes. I don't own a supercar, but I still like watching Top Gear (aka the Grand Tour).
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Brent
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11/1/2022 2:24pm Edited Date/Time 11/1/2022 2:32pm
When you realize how much $$ they’re paying then it makes sense. And I’m sure Red Bull is paying Ken a lot..most marketable 450 guy
I have no idea what RedBull is paying Ken, and I don’t know if too many people outside of those two parties know either.

Also I’m not sure Ken is the “most marketable 450 guy”, seeing that he has not won any championship in several seasons- in fact I’m not sure what “marketable” means anyway to someone who ended their relationship they way Ken did with the largest motorcycle manufacturer.
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swe292
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11/1/2022 3:01pm
ken roczen is a drama queen. dug his own grave.
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Press516
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11/1/2022 4:02pm
If he convinced Beta to go SX racing now, he could transition into team manager and brand ambassador in a couple years... Not to mention jumpstarting their SX development.

Not going to happen, but dang that would be fun to watch.
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1911
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11/1/2022 7:28pm
McG194 wrote:
More likely we see Malcolm on yellow. (Just pretend I cared enough to photoshop Mookie's face on this dude.) [img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2022/11/01/575288/s1200_Suzuki.jpg[/img]
More likely we see Malcolm on yellow. (Just pretend I cared enough to photoshop Mookie's face on this dude.)


I bet that boat motor is kick start.
Pull start actually
#pullstartARMY
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11/2/2022 12:24am
I want some Roczen bike reviews…
McG194 wrote:
Why? What Kenny needs in a bike does not relate to what a regular human needs. His opinion on how a bike performs could possibly help...
Why?

What Kenny needs in a bike does not relate to what a regular human needs. His opinion on how a bike performs could possibly help 5-10 humans in the world at the most.
Roczen's opinion does not influence my bike choice at all. I don't race supercross. Hell, I don't even race moto... I'm a woods guy. But I'd...
Roczen's opinion does not influence my bike choice at all. I don't race supercross. Hell, I don't even race moto... I'm a woods guy. But I'd enjoy hearing what Kenny has to say about each bike he's ridden, because I like dirt bikes. I don't own a supercar, but I still like watching Top Gear (aka the Grand Tour).
I hear you.

To know what the worlds fastest guys honestly think about stock bikes would be very interesting.

So much of what the pros do/feel/have is unavailable to us- we don’t carry their speed, jump as far/high, blitz whoops or have the super-trick equipment. Basically whatever they do in mx is unrelatable for most of us.

But, the one thing I can do that is completely relatable to Kenny, is ride a YZ450. So to know what he thinks of it would be super interesting.
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11/2/2022 12:52am
Ah, but therein lies the issue....is he still the "most marketable 450 guy?" I don't think he is anymore. His attitude, results, and self-righteousness the last...
Ah, but therein lies the issue....is he still the "most marketable 450 guy?"
I don't think he is anymore. His attitude, results, and self-righteousness the last few years has removed him from that category, in my opinion.
Maybe I'm wrong, but there has definitely been a huge shift in his fan base and his general persona.
Every interview has an excuse in it, even when he won. Maybe he doesn't care because he is set for life AND he has a family he genuinely seems to adore. Then you have that Instagram post, which tends to show he cares still....but then his season went about how most assumed it would.
You can only trade on marketability for so long, especially when the public perception is you always make excuses and give the impression you don't even have a passion for racing anymore. That's not the image most companies want.
I would argue Sexton is THE most marketable face in the sport right now.
Again, I would love to see Roczen compete at the top in 2023....but I doubt it will be for a traditional 450 factory team. Those bridges have all seemingly been burned.
I agree with everything you said other Chase being the most marketable in the 450s. I think that belongs to Tomac. Either way it's not Kenny.
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11/2/2022 1:05am
Britney Spears Laughing Laughing Laughing
Like what besides the sprocket gate and that one cringey post about not quitting?
Don't forget the shingles, the lime in the dirt etc. I have never seen a pro racer pull more excuses out of their ass than Kenny.
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11/2/2022 3:24am
So that bike looked a full club bike he was on, same suspension and clamps Martin had on in his video.
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soggy
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11/2/2022 5:21am
Ah, but therein lies the issue....is he still the "most marketable 450 guy?" I don't think he is anymore. His attitude, results, and self-righteousness the last...
Ah, but therein lies the issue....is he still the "most marketable 450 guy?"
I don't think he is anymore. His attitude, results, and self-righteousness the last few years has removed him from that category, in my opinion.
Maybe I'm wrong, but there has definitely been a huge shift in his fan base and his general persona.
Every interview has an excuse in it, even when he won. Maybe he doesn't care because he is set for life AND he has a family he genuinely seems to adore. Then you have that Instagram post, which tends to show he cares still....but then his season went about how most assumed it would.
You can only trade on marketability for so long, especially when the public perception is you always make excuses and give the impression you don't even have a passion for racing anymore. That's not the image most companies want.
I would argue Sexton is THE most marketable face in the sport right now.
Again, I would love to see Roczen compete at the top in 2023....but I doubt it will be for a traditional 450 factory team. Those bridges have all seemingly been burned.
I agree with everything you said other Chase being the most marketable in the 450s. I think that belongs to Tomac. Either way it's not Kenny.
Eli is one of the most marketable in the mx/sx bubble. Kenny is much more marketable to the outside , that’s why you see him with Breitling as a sponsor. Either way Jett is more marketable then pretty much anyone right now.
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soggy
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11/2/2022 5:24am
mx_phreek wrote:
So that bike looked a full club bike he was on, same suspension and clamps Martin had on in his video.
So that bike looked a full club bike he was on, same suspension and clamps Martin had on in his video.
Clamps and suspension doesn’t equal ‘full bike’.
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fourfourone
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86oh, CT, USA
11/2/2022 5:28am
Ah, but therein lies the issue....is he still the "most marketable 450 guy?" I don't think he is anymore. His attitude, results, and self-righteousness the last...
Ah, but therein lies the issue....is he still the "most marketable 450 guy?"
I don't think he is anymore. His attitude, results, and self-righteousness the last few years has removed him from that category, in my opinion.
Maybe I'm wrong, but there has definitely been a huge shift in his fan base and his general persona.
Every interview has an excuse in it, even when he won. Maybe he doesn't care because he is set for life AND he has a family he genuinely seems to adore. Then you have that Instagram post, which tends to show he cares still....but then his season went about how most assumed it would.
You can only trade on marketability for so long, especially when the public perception is you always make excuses and give the impression you don't even have a passion for racing anymore. That's not the image most companies want.
I would argue Sexton is THE most marketable face in the sport right now.
Again, I would love to see Roczen compete at the top in 2023....but I doubt it will be for a traditional 450 factory team. Those bridges have all seemingly been burned.
I agree with everything you said other Chase being the most marketable in the 450s. I think that belongs to Tomac. Either way it's not Kenny.
soggy wrote:
Eli is one of the most marketable in the mx/sx bubble. Kenny is much more marketable to the outside , that’s why you see him with...
Eli is one of the most marketable in the mx/sx bubble. Kenny is much more marketable to the outside , that’s why you see him with Breitling as a sponsor. Either way Jett is more marketable then pretty much anyone right now.
Eli is also in a spot where he doesn't need to be marketable. His results do the speaking. He doesn't care about interviews, social media or any of that.

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jonesaustin
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Austin, TX, USA
11/2/2022 6:08am
I’d like to see him race a black version of the 23 YZ
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